Flying Without Wings: Personal Reflections on Being DisabledA recent medical school graduate and amateur tennis champion, Beisser at age 24 had everything going for him. Then polio struck--his story opens in the 1950s--and he was confined to an iron lung. Rather than give in to despair, hopelessness, or self-pity, Beisser began to reflect on the meaning of life from the perspective of someone disabled. In this book he shares his insights into time, space, health, humor, and Americans' love of sports. Anyone caring for the disabled or seriously ill should read this book to gain some understanding of what their life is like, but Beisser's story of how he achieved a fulfilling life and happy marriage is an encouragement to us all. Recommended for all general collections, especially those emphasizing the health sciences and helping professions.-- John Moryl, Yeshiva Univ. Lib., New York - Library Journal. |
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Flying Without Wings: Personal Reflections on Loss, Disability, and Healing Arnold Beisser No preview available - 1990 |
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able able-bodied accept activity allow Antaeus Arnie Arnold Beisser asked athlete became become began believe body choice common cold continued cripple death defeat denial of illness disability discovered doctor everything experience fantasy fear feel felt Flying Without Wings friends Gerald give Greek mythology happened helpers hospital Hugh Prather human humor iron lung iron maiden jokes koan Korean War laugh laughter learned limited living longer look loser major league baseball March of Dimes married couple meaning medical school mind move Navy needs nurses once opponent pain past patients Perhaps person perspective physical physician play players polio position possible problem psychiatry punch line reality realize relationship Rita role seemed sense someone sometimes space struggle surrender survival talking tennis things thought tion told wanted ward well-being wheelchair winners wisdom wonder